Walsall Greenspace Strategy
The Client
Walsall Council
The Background
The authority needed a consultancy that could not just run a PPG17 driven audit of provision across the borough, but could also develop a strategy for how the council should move forward in the way its runs green spaces.
The Objective
We undertook a wide range of services including mapping all green space provision, assessments of quantity, quality, accessibility and value, as well as wide scale public consultation and we combined this into a PPG17 audit. This was then worked up further into a new supplementary planning document which would secure significant amounts of new investment for green spaces.
Consultation with staff from across the authority, community based organisations and detailed research around resources and service delivery enabled us to produce a green space strategy that is already delivering change on the ground.
Just add CFP
Our experience and understanding of green spaces and local authorities meant that we were able to bring new ideas to the process and take a strategy much further than just an audit of provision. The project was selected as a case study by CABE Space for their forthcoming update of their guidance on producing green space strategies.
The Result
Section 106 funding has increased by £0.5m per year, 2 Green Flag Awards have been secured, restructuring has lead to more gardeners in parks and an HLF bid for £8.5m for the Arboretum was successful.